Festa da Quitanda and Festival da Goiabada 2016 in Cocais, MG
5th Festa da Quitanda and 4th Festival da Goiabada
On April 30 and May 1, 2016, the charming Colonial Village of Cocais, in Barão de Cocais, opened its doors and hearts to another edition of the Festa da Quitanda (quitandas are traditional homemade baked goods from Minas Gerais), one of the most traditional events of the Serra do Caraça. In its fifth edition, the celebration brought together flavors, culture and hospitality in a setting that revives the best of Minas Gerais cooking and countryside traditions.
Just a few kilometers from Belo Horizonte, the Festa da Quitanda was already, in 2016, a meeting point for residents, tourists and the quitandeiras who keep alive the art of cooking with soul and memory. Promoted with the support of the Barão de Cocais City Hall, the event reinforced the importance of valuing local culture, food tourism and the work of the region's rural families.
Delightful flavors in the Serra do Caraça
The food court of the Colonial Village became a true festival of aromas and colors. The public could enjoy bean fritters, angu (cornmeal) pastries, feijão-tropeiro (beans with cassava flour, bacon and sausage), sausage sandwiches, artisanal cheeses, local cachaças and, of course, the most traditional quitandas of Minas Gerais cooking — made with that homemade touch and the care of the quitandeiras of Cocais.
Among so many treats, the highlight was the Goiabada Cascão (chunky guava paste), the symbol of the festival and Intangible Heritage of Barão de Cocais. Besides tasting it, visitors could learn more about the artisanal production of this delicacy, from slow cooking in copper pans to its sale along the Circuito do Ouro (Gold Circuit), where it has become a regional reference.
Culture, history and Minas Gerais tradition
More than a food event, the 2016 Festa da Quitanda was a celebration of the culture and history of Cocais. The festival offered visitors a true immersion in Minas Gerais identity, mixing food, art and tourism in a welcoming setting full of fond memories.
During the two days of the festival, tourists could stroll through the historic streets of the Colonial Village, with its preserved houses and tranquil air, enjoying the hospitality typical of the people of the Serra do Caraça. Each stall told a story, each dish carried the flavor of generations and the pride of a community that turns its culinary heritage into cultural heritage.
Quitanda Contest and recognition of the quitandeiras
One of the high points of the edition was the Quitanda Contest, which brought together rural producers and quitandeiras from the region to present their best recipes. Cakes, breads, biscuits and sweets were judged by a panel that rewarded originality, flavor and creativity.
More than a competition, the contest was a way of valuing the talent of the women who, with simplicity and dedication, keep the tradition of country cooking alive. The event also reinforced the role of food as an element of cultural identity and economic development, promoting tourism and encouraging local commerce.
Quitanda, Goiabada and Minas Gerais hospitality
The 2016 Festa da Quitanda reaffirmed the potential of Cocais as one of the main tourist destinations of the Serra do Caraça, highlighting the strength of local traditions and the talent of its residents.
The aroma of coffee, the taste of goiabada cascão and the sound of the viola filled the air of the Colonial Village, creating a unique atmosphere of belonging and joy.
More than an event, the festival was an experience — a sensory journey through Minas Gerais roots that invites visitors to slow down and appreciate what is most genuine in Minas Gerais: good food, warm welcome and simplicity.
